PUT THE BOOT IN

Mercedes has announced prices for its upcoming A-Class saloon which goes on sale early next year.

Several firms in recent years, including Honda and Audi, have introduced saloon versions of their hatchbacks. It’s a class of car (think of the Ford Orion and Volkswagen Jetta from the old days) that had nearly died out.

Two versions will be available from launch, the A180 and A200, with a choice of Sport or AMG-Line trim levels. The former costs £27,875 and the latter £28,095, both in Sport trim. We’re driving the car next month so expect a road test in late October.